Digital transformation in the public sector is well under way, with Acts, regulations, and tools designed to facilitate faster adoption of IT and digital technology for buyers and suppliers in public procurement. The latest innovation is software development of a new Central Digital Platform (CDP), which will go live on the 24th of February 2025 – about the same time as the Procurement Act 2023.
The aim is to further revolutionise public procurement processes through greater efficiency and transparency for all stakeholders, especially SMEs. The platform falls within the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) SME Action Plan and includes contract building and e-signatures, which simplify procurement for all.
In addition to digital transformation, government bodies are prioritising IT solutions, like data management and software services provision. Wanna-be suppliers looking for a gap in the market would do well to focus on these areas in the information technology industry.
Types Of IT Tenders In The Public Sector
There are many digital tech, IT, and cybersecurity tenders available in the UK. Most of them fit into the following categories:
- Cybersecurity
- Software development and consulting
- Computer engineering, including cloud services
- Data management and managed network services
- Maintenance and support
- Website development
- Mobile app development
- SaaS (Software as a Service)
- IoT (Internet of Things)
- AI, Machine Learning, and Blockchain technology
SMEs & Innovation In Public Sector IT Tenders
Now that SMEs are actively encouraged to participate in public procurement, governing bodies are discovering all sorts of benefits. For example, their adaptability to change and capacity for impactful social value initiatives.
SMEs are also becoming known for their innovation.
Competition in the IT sector is fierce, and even though the government has put out the welcome mat, small businesses and charitable organisations must work hard to stand out from their larger, more experienced competitors.
The best way to do this is through constant innovation.
Perhaps it sounds more demanding than it actually is because SMEs don’t have to make big changes to stay ahead. A tweak here that enhances operational processes and saves a couple of hundred pounds is enough to set them apart.
A change in logistics could decrease warehouse costs and reduce the overall carbon footprint of a product. Two very important things as far as contracting authorities are concerned.
Small changes add up and a random idea in a brainstorming session could lay the foundation for greater things to come.
IT & Digital Tech Compliance And Standards
Given the scope of IT government tenders and the inherent vulnerabilities in some IT systems, it stands to reason that there are plenty of cybersecurity laws and regulations to which buyers and suppliers in the UK must adhere. We’re going to look at just a few.
Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018
This is the be-all and end-all of UK cybersecurity law. It covers all personal data processing and applies to businesses, organisations, and government bodies. Compliance is mandatory and non-compliance results in a fine of up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR)
This is designed to complement the DPA and covers the collection, storage, use, and processing of personal data by businesses and organisations. Compliance is mandatory and non-compliance results in a fine of up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Computer Misuse Act 1990
The Act, which is enforced by the DPA and UK-GDPR, covers malicious action, like using malware to breach systems or ransomware to extort money. It applies to any digital device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearable tech – anything that can store, retrieve, and process sensitive data.
Penalties for non-compliance are severe.
Fines and prison sentences start at £5,000 and six months and go up to unlimited fines and 10 years in prison.
Cyber Essentials Certification
It’s usually the minimum standard of security that contracting authorities look for in suppliers. Certification includes boundary firewalls, secure configuration, and malware protection.
Supply2Gov provides Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Minimum Cyber Security Standard (MCSS)
All government bodies must meet the standards in the Security Policy Framework and National Cyber Security Strategy. Suppliers can also use the MCSS to measure their customers’ own cybersecurity.
ISO 27001
The independently accredited international standard for Information Security Management Systems.
ISO 27032
The international standard for cyber security, including cyber security risk management and security controls. It covers threat intelligence, incident response, and security awareness.
ISO 27031
The international standard for ICT business continuity.
Several EU regulations are mandatory for any businesses or organisations that transact with EU companies.
EU Cybersecurity Act
The Act established a framework for European cybersecurity certification of ICT products, services, and processes and is designed, among other things, to standardise cybersecurity in the EU to ensure consistency in certification. It includes:
- Mandatory cybersecurity certification schemes for various products and services.
- Voluntary cybersecurity certification schemes
- Support for SMEs who need certifications to level the EU procurement playing field.
EU Cyber Resilience Act
The Act addresses cybersecurity in digital products and services, including hardware and software. It covers the supply chain from manufacturers and developers to suppliers and vendors and includes the procurement lifecycle, from design to production.
EU Artificial Intelligence Act
The Act is set to be fully applicable within the next two years, but here’s what you can expect.
- Risk categorisation from minimal to unacceptable
- Ban on unacceptable AI that poses unacceptable risks
- Heightened transparency requirements
- Governance frameworks in organisations
- Conformity assessments and audits
- SME support
- Ongoing compliance and risk monitoring
Increase Your Chances Of Winning IT Tenders For Digital Transformation In The UK
We’re going to look at five top tips for writing competitive bids that win information technology tenders today.
1) Understand the tender documents
Contracting authorities typically include tender documents in their contract notices. They provide the format and structure for the bid proposal, as well as any additional requirements, like compliance certification and case studies.
They usually include a word count, so pay careful attention when you read the instructions for each section.
Finally, answer the question that has been asked and not the question you think should have been asked. If buyers want to know something, they will ask for it. It’s not up to you to decide what is most relevant. Sway away from the tender documents at your peril.
2) Understand the contract
It sounds obvious, and it is. But obvious doesn’t mean you’ll get it right.
Have you listed all the eligibility criteria and skills requirements?
Good, does your business meet them all?
No? Swipe left.
Yes? Good, but does the bid make economic sense?
No? Swipe left.
Yes? Good, now prep for the bid writing process.
Does everything make sense or are there some cloudy areas?
Ask the contracting authority for clarification. They’ll be more than happy to give you guidance because it’s in their best interests to have as wide a supplier pool (with qualified suppliers) as possible.
3) Sell yourself
Every business has something (a Unique Selling Point) that distinguishes it from the others. Find out what sets your business offering apart in your sector and run with it. Get innovative and see how you can enhance your USP to really stand out from the crowd.
Put together an evidence kit – everything you have that proves how amazing you are. This includes case studies. Be creative, maybe you can be more persuasive in your bid if you approach your USP or bid writing strategy from a different perspective.
4) Perfect your writing skills
You don’t need to win a Nobel prize, but your writing must be professional, succinct, and error-free. If your bid is filled with typos and grammatical mistakes, it doesn’t matter if you have developed an IT system that could revolutionise the way the entire world does business. You’ll be perceived as a liability and the risk-averse public sector avoids liabilities on principle.
If writing is not your strong suit, consider hiring a professional bid writer. The expense is worth it when the fate of the world is on the line.
5) Put yourself out there
A revolutionary product and impeccable bid writing will go entirely to waste if you aren’t in the public eye. Registering as a supplier on tender alert portals is one of the easiest ways to gain attention. Buyers who have set their filters to search for certain skills, locations, products, social value, etc. will find you automatically.
You can also set your filters for relevant contracts, including locations, skills, costs, etc. and you’ll receive email alerts every time new business opportunities are published.
Supply2Gov has access to the largest database of government contracts in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. You can register for free local tender alerts or choose our pay-as-you-grow packages for regional, country, and UK-wide, tender alerts and notices.
The race for digital transformation has started and you don’t want to be left behind.